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Klopp returns to the touchline but Xavi holds his Germany to a draw in their debut
25th September, 2026 08:07 AM
Jürgen Klopp has acknowledged the intense demands and high expectations he faces following his return to management with the Germany national team.
The former Liverpool boss made his comeback on the international stage as Germany drew 1–1 with the Netherlands at the Johan Cruyff Arena on Thursday, September 24, 2026.
Touchline return for Klopp and Xavi
Speaking after the UEFA Nations League encounter, the veteran coach contrasted his management life with his recent sabbatical, admitting he finds little enjoyment unless he is meeting expectations and battling from the touchline.
“When people asked me how much I enjoy the moment in football, I say I enjoy moments when we are 4-0 up and you see the extra time board, until it is time for us to be 100 percent and try to find a way—as limited as we are on the sidelines—to help the team,” he stated.
Assessing the new tenure
Reflecting on his start with Die Mannschaft, Klopp noted that building a new style of play requires time.
“I am long enough in the job to know that to develop a way of football, it needs more than two games to get it done. We should not draw the next 500 games, otherwise I can go back to paddling, but for tonight it’s fine,” he joked.
His remarks came after the Dutch clawed back late through Cody Gakpo to kick off both managers’ new tenures with a draw.
The fixture marked a high-profile start to a new era for both national teams following the 2026 World Cup. Xavi, appointed head coach of the Netherlands national team in place of Ronald Koeman, made his debut for the Oranje, while Klopp managed his first match since Liverpool’s 2–0 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers on the final day of the 2023–24 Premier League season on May 19, 2024.
The scoreline was only half the story of a heated contest filled with disallowed goals, fierce challenges, and missed opportunities.
Disallowed goals and contention
The Dutch thought they had drawn first blood in the 13th minute when captain Virgil van Dijk rose to power home a header from a corner. However, celebrations were cut short when a VAR review ruled that Brian Brobbey had backed into German goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen, leading referee Alejandro Hernández to chalk the goal off.
The decision sparked immediate protests and left Xavi visibly frustrated on the touchline.
